Rosenqvist retires after dominating qualifying and three-quarters of the race

Swede Rosenqvist showed domineering pace in Rome until his race came to an early end as his Mahindra Racing M4ELECTRO car got suspension damage after hitting a kerb. Heidfeld finished 13th after being caught in the middle of a 4-car pile-up

Mahindra Racing, whose M4ELECTRO cars are run in collaboration with QEV Technologies – in which Campos Racing forms part of the shareholding also provides its staff and technology-, almost scored a third triumph in the 2018 FIA Formula E season but Lady Luck dashed Felix Rosenqvist’s chances when the Swede clouted a kerb and damaged suspension being forced to retire. By then, Rosenqvist was solidly leading the race.

Rosenqvist claimed an incredible pole position as he posted a lap of 1m36.311s, which was more than sixth tenths quicker than Sam Bird, second in the Superpole. On the other hand, Heidfeld qualified in tenth place with a best lap of 1m37.365s. Later in the race, Rosenqvist led the field pulling away from his rivals despite a “full course yellow”. After pitting on lap 16, Rosenqvist was still leading but after three-quarters of the race was forced to retire after hitting a chicane kerb. Heidfeld was involved in a pile-up with Oliver Turvey, Luca Filippi and Edoardo Mortara and, despite made it to the finish, the German ace couldn’t improve 13th place.